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2000yr old extinct date palm seeds germinate!
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Posted by angel_z5 (My Page) on Mon, Jul 3, 06 at 22:13
| Scientists have managed to germinate an extinct date palm tree seed in Israel. I read this article in the July 2006 issue of "Biblical Archaeology Review". The seeds are 2000 years old from an excavation site at Masada. Researchers were given 3 seeds, and one germinated. BAR article says that if it is a female plant, then it may fruit as early as 2010. Woohoo! If it is a male plant, well, then it is just super cool anyhow. Currently, it is about 2 feet high, and growing.
If one in three germinated, I wish the scientist (Sara Sallon) could get more. I would hate to wait years just to find out it is not female.
No dispute this is an heirloom seed!
Always an. . .Angel |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: 2000yr old extinct date palm seeds germinate!
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| Can a female palm self-pollinate? That's what your message implies, so I guess it can. Cloning would be another option, whether male or female. I don't know about palms, but it's not difficult to clone most plants. Jim |
RE: 2000yr old extinct date palm seeds germinate!
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| Hello Jimster, the articles seemed to imply that they could. For more info do a search on "Sarah Sallon" and "date". Lots of related articles with interesting info. Always an. . .Angel |
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